Complete Guide • 10 min read

How to Invoice Clients as aContractor (Get Paid Fast)

The average contractor waits 45 days for payment. Learn the professional invoicing process that gets you paid in 12 days or less.

Quick Stats

45
Days average payment (paper)
12
Days with proper invoicing
73%
Faster with online payments
91%
Pay on time with reminders

The 4-Step Professional Invoicing Process

1

Complete the Job

Finish all work and get client approval

Pro Tips:

  • Take before/after photos
  • Get written sign-off
  • Document any changes
2

Create Invoice Immediately

Don't wait - invoice same day

Pro Tips:

  • Use professional templates
  • Include all details
  • Add payment terms clearly
3

Send Multiple Ways

Email AND text for best results

Pro Tips:

  • Send while still on-site if possible
  • Include payment link
  • Confirm receipt
4

Follow Up Professionally

Automate reminders to get paid

Pro Tips:

  • First reminder at 3 days
  • Second at 7 days
  • Call at 14 days

What Every Professional Invoice Must Include

Your business name & logo*
Builds trust and professionalism
Invoice number*
For tracking and taxes
Date & due date*
Net 15 or Net 30 standard
Client name & address*
Legal requirement
Detailed line items*
Transparency prevents disputes
Materials & labor separate*
Shows value breakdown
Tax calculation*
Must be accurate
Payment methods accepted*
Make it easy to pay
+
Thank you message
Improves relationships
+
Next service reminder
Generates repeat business

Pro Tip: ThePocketBoss automatically includes all required elements in every invoice. Just fill in the job details and send.

5 Invoicing Mistakes That Cost You Money

Mistake #1: Waiting too long to invoice

Result: Clients forget or dispute charges

Solution: Invoice same day, ideally before leaving job site

Mistake #2: Handwritten invoices

Result: Look unprofessional, errors common

Solution: Use ThePocketBoss for professional digital invoices

Mistake #3: No payment terms

Result: Clients pay whenever they want

Solution: Clearly state "Due upon receipt" or "Net 15"

Mistake #4: Not following up

Result: Average payment takes 45+ days

Solution: Automated reminders get you paid in 12 days

Mistake #5: No online payment option

Result: Creates friction, delays payment

Solution: Accept cards/ACH with ThePocketBoss

Example: Professional Contractor Invoice

ABC Plumbing

License #123456

123 Main St, City, ST 12345

(555) 123-4567

INVOICE #1001

Date: Dec 12, 2024

Due: Upon Receipt

Bill To:

John Smith

456 Oak Ave

City, ST 54321

DescriptionQtyRateAmount
Kitchen sink installation1$450.00$450.00
Garbage disposal unit1$275.00$275.00
Labor (2 hours)2$125.00$250.00
Subtotal:$975.00
Tax (8%):$78.00
Total:$1,053.00

Payment Options:

Thank you for your business!

Start Getting Paid Faster Today

ThePocketBoss makes professional invoicing simple. Send invoices in 2 minutes, get paid in 12 days average. Just $19.99/month.

2min
To create & send
12 days
Average payment
$19.99
Per month
Start Professional Invoicing

Credit card required • Unlimited invoices • Cancel anytime